The NI PXIe-8394 is a high-performance PXI Express bus expansion module developed by National Instruments (NI). It leverages advanced PCI Express Gen 3 technology to enable high-bandwidth multi-chassis connectivity for PXI systems, making it ideal for data-intensive test and measurement scenarios such as high-speed signal acquisition, video processing, and large-scale automated test systems (ATE). Below is its comprehensive detail:
- Brand: National Instruments (NI)
- Model: PXIe-8394
- Product Type: PXI Express Bus Expansion Module
- Part Number: 785157-01
- MXI Communication Standard: MXI-Express Gen 3 X8
- Form Factor: 3U PXI Express module; Dimensions: Approximately 11.18 cm × 17.53 cm (4.4 × 6.9 inches)
- Weight: Approximately 0.35 kg (0.76 lb)
- Compatibility: Designed for use with NI PXI Express chassis (e.g., PXIe-1075, PXIe-1082) and compatible with third-party PXI Express-compliant systems
- Warranty: Standard 1-year warranty (extended warranty options available through NI authorized distributors)
Built on PCI Express Gen 3 X8 technology, the module delivers a theoretical peak bandwidth of 8 GB/s per direction and a sustained transfer rate of 6.8 GB/s. This high throughput meets the demands of bandwidth-hungry use cases, such as:
- Real-time video acquisition and processing (e.g., 4K/8K video test systems)
- High-speed digital signal processing (DSP) for radar or communication systems
- Large-volume data logging from multi-channel sensors (e.g., aerospace structural testing)
It supports a daisy-chain topology to connect up to 8 PXI Express chassis to a single host system—either an NI PXI embedded controller or a PC with an NI remote controller (e.g., PCIe-MXI-Express card). This expansion capability:
- Increases the number of available I/O channels (e.g., from 200 channels in one chassis to 1,600 channels across 8 chassis)
- Enables distributed testing (e.g., placing chassis near test points in large factories or labs while centralizing control)
The MXI-Express link is software-transparent, meaning PXI Express devices in connected (slave) chassis are recognized as "local devices" by the host. This eliminates the need for custom software programming or driver modifications—existing test code developed for single-chassis systems can be reused directly. It supports integration with:
- NI software tools: LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, NI Measurement Studio
- Operating systems: Windows, NI Linux Real-Time
Beyond connecting multiple PXI chassis, the module enables integration with external high-performance devices to extend system capabilities, including:
- RAID storage arrays (for high-capacity data logging)
- Software-Defined Radio (SDR) devices
- Reconfigurable radio equipment
This flexibility makes it a core component for building scalable, future-proof test systems.
- Semiconductor Testing: Supports high-speed data transfer for wafer-level testing or chip validation, where large volumes of test data (e.g., from digital logic analyzers) need real-time processing.
- Aerospace & Defense: Enables distributed multi-chassis systems for radar signal simulation, avionics testing, or satellite component validation—critical for scenarios requiring synchronized data acquisition across multiple test points.
- Automotive Electronics: Expands test systems to cover multi-ECU (Electronic Control Unit) testing (e.g., engine, chassis, infotainment systems) with high-speed communication between chassis.
- Video & Imaging Testing: Facilitates real-time 4K/8K video stream capture and analysis, ideal for display panel testing or camera module validation.
Pricing varies by distributor and regional policies. For example:
- Farnell: Approximately $4,269.9 per unit
- NI Authorized Resellers: Prices may include additional services (e.g., technical support, calibration) and vary based on order quantity.
For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, it is recommended to contact NI directly or local authorized distributors.
